The Difference Between Chicken Coop And Run

419-945-2651 [email protected]

• Brand Ambassadors
• All About Brooding
• Ordering From Meyer Hatchery
• Coops, Runs, and DIY
• Meat Birds, Game Birds, and Turkeys
• Store
• Help Desk
• Events
• Coops, Runs, and Outdoor Spaces
  • Omlet Chicken Coops
  • Meyer Hatchery Coop Tours
• Poultry Health & Wellness
• Free-Range Freebies
• In The Media
• Teachers
  • For Teachers
  • ChickQuest Resources
  • Free-Range Freebies

The Difference Between A Chicken Coop And Run

Let’s talk about the difference between a chicken coop and a chicken run. To break it down, a chicken coop is a house for your chickens. The coop contains nesting boxes and roosts and can be completely closed at night to protect your chickens from nocturnal predators.

A chicken run on the other hand is located outside of the coop and is usually a fenced-in space that allows your chickens with an area to dust bathe and forage. Runs are optional but are nice to have to keep your chickens out of your garden and flower beds. A run also helps keep your chickens safe from most daytime predators. Most runs are attached to the coop, and a small pop door opens to allow the chickens to come and go as they please between the coop and the run.

Electricity and a water source are nice to have near your chicken coop. So if you have not already set up your space for a chicken coop and run, consider how far you will need to carry water buckets if you do not already have a space with water nearby.

You also may want to think about the type of flooring you want in your coop. A building may already have an existing wood or concrete floor, so you may not have an option. Both of these materials have their good and bad points. You will need to use some type of bedding over either of these flooring materials and change it out regularly.

A dirt floor is another option if you are building a coop from scratch or using a portable coop. A dirt floor allows excess moisture inside of coop to drain naturally. You also may be able to use little to no bedding in the coop. The downside to a dirt floor is that predators can more easily tunnel under the coop wall to get access to your chickens.

Remember to keep possible “chicken math” in mind when planning your coop and run. The ability to expand your flock size to accommodate the need for a growing family, local egg sales or a desire to add more beautiful hens is a good thing to consider. Make sure your coop and run has some extra capacity.

General Building Considerations

1. Ventilation, even in the winter months. Make sure all windows and other openings are predator proof. 
2. Nesting boxes: access from the outside is nice. Rollaway nesting boxes also make egg collection easier and keep your eggs clean/safe.
3. Coop ceiling height: make your coop as comfortable as possible for you to work in to make chores easier.

We hope you enjoy reading a little more about the difference between a chicken coop and a run, and also things to consider when you are choosing a coop location and design. Leave us a comment below and let us know what your top coop and run design considerations are. Happy chickening!

Learn More On Our Podcast!

In Episode 13, our podcast provided some considerations in regards to your new or existing coop, including the differences between a coop and run, general building considerations, and add-ons! 

Listen Today! Search for:

Recent Posts

• What are the Benefits of Raising Ducks?
• Understanding Labels: Pasture-Raised vs Free-Range vs Cage-Free
• Key Points for Successful Brooders

Categories

• Bantams (4)
• Breed Spotlight (32)
• Brooding (19)
• Chicken Breeds (26)
• Chickens (146)
• Coop Tours (14)
• Coops, Runs, and Outdoor Spaces (70)
• Crafts (19)
• Ducks (28)
• Eggs (27)
• Fall (12)
• For Teachers (7)
• Gardening (16)
• Geese (10)
• Gifts (7)
• Guineas (5)
• Homestead (73)
• Incubating & Hatching (16)
• Meat Birds (20)
• Meyer Hatchery News (66)
• Meyer Meal Maker (4)
• Omlet (1)
• Ordering From Meyer Hatchery (7)
• Pheasants (2)
• Poultry (93)
• Poultry Health & Wellness (92)
• Quail (2)
• Recipes (30)
• Seasons (13)
• Showing Poultry (14)
• Spring (12)
• Summer (14)
• Tales from the Coop (13)
• Turkeys (15)
• Waterfowl Breed (6)
• Winter (24)

Related Posts You Might Like

Nest Boxes: Importance and Materials

by Amber G | Jan 26, 2026 | Coops, Runs, and Outdoor Spaces

Creating clean, comfortable nesting boxes helps your hens feel safe and confident about where to lay their eggs. From sizing and bedding options to nesting pads and calming herbs, learn simple ways to customize nesting boxes that keep eggs protected and your flock happy.

How To Deter Skunks

by Linda F | Dec 1, 2025 | Coops, Runs, and Outdoor Spaces, Poultry

Skunks love easy meals, which can make your chicken coop an appealing stop for late-night visitors. Simple kitchen staples like vinegar, orange-infused spray, and coffee grounds have helped keep skunks away during coop lock-up, reducing stress on ducks, geese, and chickens.

All About Grazing Frames

by Michelle | Nov 17, 2025 | Coops, Runs, and Outdoor Spaces, Poultry

Keep your chickens happy and your yard green with Grazing Frames! These simple, low-cost structures protect plant roots while giving your flock access to fresh greens year-round. Learn how to build, seed, and maintain grazing frames for healthier chickens and better-quality eggs.

« Older Entries

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Website

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.